Idaho Operations
Elkhorn Ranch
📍 Bear Lake County, Idaho • Near Montpelier
A 1,159-acre working ranch in the Bear River Mountain Range where DIN is demonstrating large-scale regenerative agriculture—building soil, restoring habitat, and creating a model for sustainable ranching in the Intermountain West.
The Property
Elkhorn Ranch consists of two distinct tracts of land—a north tract and south tract—approximately half a mile apart and connected by two-track roads. The property combines expansive pasture and productive farmland with high-elevation hillsides offering panoramic mountain views while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
For generations, this land has supported cattle, horses, and hay production. The current owners have built a legacy breeding rodeo stock—bucking broncs and bulls—while maintaining the land's natural habitat and wildlife populations. DIN will honor this ranching heritage while implementing regenerative practices that improve soil health, water quality, and ecosystem function.
This is a Regenerative Operations site—DIN will lease this property through a long-term agreement, demonstrating large-scale regenerative ranching while the landowner retains ownership. This model allows us to access grant funding, build operational expertise, and show measurable results while keeping working land in agricultural use.
Current Assets
🏠 North Tract Infrastructure
- 1,548 sq. ft. farmhouse with year-round access
- Shop with 240V power
- Hay shed, barns, and corrals
- Tack shed and horse facilities
- Water troughs and handling infrastructure
- Power via Stauffer Canyon Road
💧 South Tract Water Features
- Two year-round spring-fed ponds
- One pond 20 feet deep (previously stocked with trout)
- Gravity-fed pressurized sprinkler system
- Flood irrigation covering 150 acres
- Unfinished cabin for future development
🌊 Water Rights & Resources
- Mature water rights dating to 1880s
- Water shares covering 150 acres
- Multiple developed springs on property
- Stauffer Creek with Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
- Idaho Fish & Game partnership for habitat improvement
🌾 Agricultural Production
- 500 acres currently cultivated
- Hay production: barley, wheat, oats
- Sainfoin for livestock and wildlife forage
- 200-800 bales annually (weather dependent)
- Potential for expanded tillable acreage
Current Livestock Operations
The ranch currently supports a diverse livestock operation with a focus on rodeo stock breeding:
Current Stock
- 🐴 150 horses — Including breeding stock for bucking broncs
- 🐂 100 bulls and cows — Rodeo breeding program
- 🐄 80 cow-calf pairs — Commercial cattle operation
Carrying Capacity
- 📊 200-250 head cattle — Current maximum capacity
- ❄️ Winter capacity — Can support 250-300 cows during winter months
- 🌱 Regenerative target — Lower stocking for land health optimization
Wildlife & Habitat
The property supports exceptional wildlife populations due to careful habitat management. The owners have preserved sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses that provide food and cover for diverse species.
Mule Deer
Large herds nightly. Trophy bucks 160"-200" harvested annually.
Elk
Resident herd on property. Depredation tags available.
Predators
Bear, bobcat, and mountain lion present in area.
Game Birds
Turkey, sage grouse, sandhill cranes.
Fish
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout in Stauffer Creek.
Raptors
Eagles, hawks, and owls throughout property.
Our Regenerative Vision
Elkhorn Ranch offers an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate regenerative agriculture at scale. The diverse topography, existing water infrastructure, and wildlife populations create a foundation for implementing practices that will improve land health while maintaining productive agriculture.
Adaptive Grazing
Implementing rotational grazing with 100-150 bison or cattle, optimizing for soil health over maximum stocking.
Multi-Species Integration
Adding 800-1,000 sheep/goats for targeted grazing of brush and weeds, improving pasture diversity.
Silvopasture Development
Strategic tree planting for shade, carbon sequestration, and diversified production.
Water Enhancement
Expanding riparian buffers, improving fish habitat, and maximizing aquifer recharge.
Wildlife Corridors
Enhancing migration routes and sanctuary areas while integrating with grazing operations.
Education Programs
Workshops, tours, and partnerships demonstrating regenerative practices at scale.
Development Opportunities
The property's scale, infrastructure, and natural assets create multiple pathways for sustainable revenue and community impact.
🎓 Education & Research
- University research partnerships
- Regenerative agriculture workshops
- School field trips and youth programs
- Soil health monitoring and data collection
- Wildlife and habitat studies
🏕️ Eco-Tourism
- Wildlife viewing programs
- Guided hunting experiences
- Fishing access (Stauffer Creek, ponds)
- Trail riding and hiking
- Winter activities: snowmobiling, sleigh rides
🎪 Events & Gatherings
- Family reunions and group retreats
- Mountain Man Rendezvous (375+ campsites historically)
- Corporate team-building events
- Agricultural conferences
- Community celebrations
🥩 Sustainable Production
- Grass-fed beef program
- Lamb and goat meat
- Pastured poultry and eggs
- Hay sales from regenerative fields
- Wild harvest (elderberry, etc.)
Partner With Us
Elkhorn Ranch represents a unique opportunity to support regenerative agriculture at scale. We're seeking partners who share our vision for land restoration, sustainable food production, and rural community development.